Art Books and Scholarship from the National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art's publications provide art enthusiasts with a diverse range of materials to explore the museum's collection and exhibitions. The gallery's catalogues, scholarly volumes, and highlights of its collection make excellent additions to any bookshelf. One notable publication is Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985, edited by Philip Brookman and Deborah Willis.

This book, which accompanies the groundbreaking 2025–2026 exhibition, delves into the significant role photography played in the cultural and aesthetic movement that celebrated Black history, identity, and beauty. Featuring works by renowned artists such as Romare Bearden, Gordon Parks, Lorna Simpson, and Carrie Mae Weems, the book covers various genres of photography, including documentary, fashion, portraiture, collage, installation, performance, and video.

Another impressive work is Woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction, edited by Lynne Cooke. This comprehensive exploration showcases over 50 artists who have broken down the barriers between fine art and craft. The book spans the early 20th century, highlighting pioneering women artists like Anni Albers, Sonia Delaunay, and Sophie Taeuber-Arp, and continues to the present day with contributions from artists such as Jeffrey Gibson, Sheila Hicks, and Ellen Lesperance.

Additionally, the National Gallery of Art's research institute, the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts, publishes innovative works that deepen our understanding of the artistic past, present, and future. Their new series, Art & , invites readers to engage in a dynamic study of art by exploring themes such as histories, water, abilities, and dreaming.

Each book in the series features first-person narratives, essays by both emerging and established scholars, and an original contemporary artwork commissioned to complement the volume's theme. Currently available are Art & Histories and Art & Water, with additional installments planned for 2027 and 2028. Lastly, National Gallery of Art Collections offers a large survey of the gallery's most beloved works, featuring over 160,000 pieces spanning from the ancient world to today.

The first major publication in more than 20 years, this book showcases masterpieces by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Dorothea Lange, Simone Leigh, Claude Monet, Faith Ringgold, and Johannes Vermeer.